The Lakers’ rotation is starting to take shape, despite injuries

The big question facing the Lakers on the heels of their loss to the Washington Wizards: Did Antawn Jamison seriously injure his right wrist?

The Lakers has as close to a full roster as Coach Mike D’Antoni has gotten this season on Friday night. Reserve big man Jordan Hill has been declared out for the season, although he’s still putting in a lot of work just in case the Lakers make a deep playoff run.

After the loss to the Wizards, advancing in the playoffs seems somewhat far-fetched, but a lot can happen in the coming weeks.

D’Antoni gave an idea of what kind of rotation he’ll use moving forward, assuming Jamison isn’t out for an extended period.

The Lakers will start Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard. Gasol is still on a minute restriction as he works himself back from a foot injury.

D’Antoni will juggle Howard’s and Gasol’s minutes in the first quarter, allowing him to stagger the two big men throughout the game with Gasol as the backup center. In most cases, the team should have either Howard or Gasol on the floor at all times.

Jamison is Gasol’s primary backup at power forward. Earl Clark, who started while Gasol was out, will also get minutes at the four. As Gasol’s minutes climb, Clark might be squeezed into a smaller role.

Steve Blake and Jodie Meeks are the primary reserve guards behind Nash and Bryant.

Bryant is the team’s primary backup to World Peace at small forward. Blake will also get time at shooting guard when the team needs more ball-handling on the court alongside Nash.

Jamison, Clark and Meeks can also play at the three, if needed.

D’Antoni isn’t looking to include Chris Duhon, Darius Morris, Devin Ebanks or Robert Sacre in the rotation. Under normal circumstances, the Lakers coach will rely on eight to nine players.

Jamison will undergo an MRI exam on Saturday to determine the extent of the damage. If he’s out, Clark would presumably take his role as the primary power forward off the bench.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.